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Sponsored by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Updated: September 1, 2020

The Only Way is Forward: Supporting Maine’s Communities During COVID-19

There has never been a more important time to come together. Across the country, not a single community is left unaffected by COVID-19 — yet this pandemic has hit some populations harder than others. While the virus itself does not discriminate, many low-income neighborhoods have been affected, as residents are more likely to be essential workers, use public transport, and live in densely populated buildings, making social distancing a challenge. Access to adequate health care and nutritious food is an added issue, and, as a result, this crisis has disproportionately affected already susceptible populations.

Despite the obstacles that COVID-19 has created, local organizations throughout Maine have risen to the occasion. Determined to make an impact, nonprofits have been quick to mobilize and innovate to meet the physical and emotional demands of those who need them the most. 

In greater Portland, the nonprofit Cooking for Community has partnered with the YMCA of Southern Maine to provide cooked meals to underserved households. By funding restaurants that prepare the meals — and supporting local growers and farmers in the process — the organizations have provided 1,000 meals a week to individuals and families across 24 towns. Of the households served, 71% were identified as very low-income, and another 23% were seen as high-risk for COVID, based on age and/or health condition. “The food I've received from Cooking for Community has been such a boon to my diet, spirit, and budget!” shares a local resident. “I pick up meals for myself and three of my neighbors at my local YMCA, which creates an opportunity for me to get out of my apartment and connect with other folks during this time of isolation… Your organization is a true blessing for our state.”

The food I've received has been such a boon to my diet, spirit, and budget! Your organization is a true blessing for our state.
— Local resident

Throughout the region, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has given more than $7.1 million in COVID-19 relief grants to help more than 70 local nonprofits to carry out the important work they’re doing — including a four-month grant to Cooking for Community (a total of $240,000).
 

LEFT: Cooking For Community and YMCA volunteers / RIGHT: Two employees of Nura, Hummus & Falafel Bar


“During these challenging times, it is critically important to support our communities and the people of Maine who need help,” says Bill Whitmore, vice president of Maine regional market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “As part of our initial grant-making nearly two months ago, we made every effort to address the immediate needs facing nonprofit partners and communities throughout Maine, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting them in the weeks and months ahead.”

Explore the map below to find resources in your area that can provide you and your loved ones the support you need:

While these grants are a game changer for many nonprofits, Foundation President Karen Voci explains how the real heroes are the local volunteers and leaders spearheading these initiatives, despite barriers. “When you’re up against the wall, your only choice is to go forward,” says Voci, applauding the agility and dynamism of community organizations during this difficult time. “Their spirit is inspirational. I think it’s the sense of doing something together with and for people in their community that’s concrete. They’re feeding people. They’re connecting with people. Everyone comes together when gathered around the table.”

When you’re up against the wall, your only choice is to go forward.
— Karen Voci, President of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

The Foundation has supported similar projects delivering meals to older adults and those in need in Manchester, New Hampshire; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Roxbury and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Yet food isn’t the only way local organizations are partnering with the Foundation to help older adults. In Dover-Foxcroft, the residents of the Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Hilltop Manor received new iPad 4 tablets to help communicate with their families via Zoom and social media. The Commons at Central Hall helped facilitate the donation with a grant from the Foundation, and are also offering regular check-in phone calls for seniors in need of a friendly voice.

For Greater Portland Health, B Street Health Center, and Penobscot Community Health Center, another area of need is personal protective equipment, such as hospital masks and gowns. Grants of $700,000 from the Foundation have helped these centers purchase adequate protective equipment and cleaning supplies to keep their staff on the front lines safe. 

For those interested in making a difference within their own community, Voci recommends considering an extra contribution to a charity they already support. “When we’re home and isolating, it’s the best we can do.” She also suggests reaching out to local nonprofit organizations and asking how else you can be of service. “They may have some interesting ideas on how you can help besides giving them a check,” says Voci. 

For 40 years, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has supported nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut to help build healthier communities. This impact is possible because of the tireless efforts of strong community leaders and dedicated volunteers coming together to support their neighbors, especially during this time. “It’s not going to be easy,” says Voci. “But we’ll come out okay on the other side.”